Title: Volunteer

Location: Various Schools

Reports To: Building Principal

Position Purpose: A volunteer in the Omaha Public Schools assists student learning and helps build a strong school community by providing extra support with academic, administrative, and extracurricular activities.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

Responsibilities of a volunteer may include:

Support teaching instruction, such as reading with students, working in small groups, assisting in the library, and preparing materials for lessons.

Assist with field trips, lunchroom, or playground activities.

Support office staff with clerical tasks.

Assist with special events.

Build confidence through encouragement, support, and celebrating progress.

Maintain a positive, calm, and encouraging attitude with students.

Proactively communicate questions, concerns, and other issues with the classroom teacher and/or school principal.

Uphold the mission and vision of Omaha Public Schools and adhere to Board Policies and volunteer guidelines.

Qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years old.

Ability to read and write proficiently.

Ability to pass a background check if working with students outside the presence of a certified staff member.

Ability to communicate politely and effectively.

Ability to maintain a calm and steady disposition throughout the learning process.

Interrelations:

Will have contact with staff within the district.

Will work under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher or building principal.

Will work with a diverse population, requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.

Must understand and respond appropriately to student needs and maintain a positive attitude with all staff and students.

Punctuality and Appearance:

Volunteers are expected to be available for all scheduled hours unless they have notified the school about any changes.

Consistent attendance is essential. Any changes to scheduled hours must be approved in advance by the volunteers’ supervisor or building administrator.

Volunteers should arrive dressed in a way that presents a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is suitable for the activity.

Application Process:

Contact the school to discuss a volunteer opportunity.

Complete the volunteer application online.

The building principal reviews the volunteer activity request.

Talent Services will communicate via email with the principal and volunteer applicant regarding approval or denial of the request.

Volunteer activities can begin AFTER receiving an approval email from Talent Services.

All volunteers must follow Omaha Public Schools Board Policies.

* A new volunteer application is required each school year. This means that even if you volunteered last year, you need to reapply for the upcoming school year.

The volunteer application includes three levels of volunteer clearance and tracking. During the online application process, the building principal will determine the clearance level for the volunteer activity. The principal will choose from one of the following clearance levels:

Level 1. This is intended for activities conducted at the school. It is the most basic level and does not involve student contact. Examples include clerical work and office filing.

Level 2. This level is for activities where the volunteer is always in a group setting with a certificated OPS staff member present. It allows you to serve as a classroom volunteer, support campus activities like lunchroom or playground support, or act as a Library Aide.

Level 3. Requires a criminal background check and approval through Talent Services. This level is for individuals who may work one-on-one with a student, with or without direct supervision of a certificated OPS staff member, whether on or off district property. It permits volunteering in activities involving student supervision, such as tutoring, field trips, chaperoning, coaching, and mentoring.

Please note that the district will not ask volunteer applicants to incur any costs associated with these clearance processes. All volunteer records are inactivated on the last day of each school year.

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Talent Services at 531-299-0240.

Thank you for your application to be a volunteer in our schools! Together, we can create a brighter future for our students!